Seve Ballesteros made the announcement after a series of tests were carried out at La Paz hospital. Photograph: Glenn Campbell/AFP/Getty Images

Seve Ballesteros, the winner of five of golf's majors, said last night that doctors at a Madrid hospital had detected a tumour in his brain. A biopsy will be performed tomorrow to determine whether the tumour is malignant and if it should be operated on.

"Following exhaustive tests that have been carried out on me at La
Paz hospital, a cerebral tumour has been found," the 51-year-old
Spaniard said in a statement. "A biopsy will be carried out and after
that it will be the doctors who decide how to proceed.

"Throughout
my career I've been one of the best at overcoming obstacles on a golf
course and now I want to be the best as I face the most difficult match
of my life with all my strength," he said.

The golfer has been
inundated with letters and messages of support since being taken to
hospital a week ago after suffering a fainting fit. Yesterday he said
he would draw extra strength from "those of you who are sending me your
messages of encouragement".